Most everything that has happened to this point was either
flirting or posturing. But with free agency beginning March 11, NFL teams will
now start getting serious about retaining the players they wish to keep.

With this in mind, former Boston Globe scribe and current
TheMMQB.com analyst Greg Bedard released his top 100
free-agent rankings, which lists four players from the Patriots.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes comes in the lowest at No. 67,
with wide receiver Julian Edelman checking in at 58 and running back LeGarrette
Blount at 52. Cornerback Aqib Talib came in at No. 17 in the second edition of the list.

Bedard believes that Kansas City would be the best fit for
Spikes and lists Houston as Edelman's best fit. He believes that Blount would
be best served by staying in New England.

As far as other free agents are concerned, Bedard notes
that Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen's best fit would be with the Patriots.

The list is interesting for several reasons. The general
feeling locally is that Edelman should be viewed as a top priority, with
several local beat writers arguing that he should be prioritized about Talib due
to his chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady. It seems that Bedard has removed
that from the equation and is grading Edelman purely on his skills.

The view here is that Talib should be considered the top
priority, with Edelman and Blount pulling in behind him. Spikes has become
something of a forgotten man and the expectation is that the team will not
attempt to retain him.